The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563 24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6 American Corps 2718765 Guardsman, Lance-Corporal Maurice O'BRIEN, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS On the night attack of the 29th / 30th [January], Lance-Corporal O'BRIEN was N.C.O. in command of the 2" Mortar of the left-hand forward platoon of No. 2 Company. The company came up against strenuous enemy resistance, which included 8 Machine Gun posts between the main ANZIO - ALBANO Road and the railway which was the company's axis of advance. The platoon suffered heavy casualties from these Machine Guns and from enemy mortar fire. The platoon was in danger of being pinned by the Machine Gun and destroyed by mortars, when Corporal O'BRIEN advanced towards the nearest stream of tracer and brought his mortar into action, totally ignoring his own great personal danger. He effectively silenced the left-hand Machine Gun post, thus enabling the remainder of his platoon to get round the flank. This most courageous and inspiring example and the quick rallying of his Platoon through the gap he had made, undoubtedly played a major part in enabling his company to reach its objective and saved a great many lives. The following day, 30th January, when owing to the presence of enemy tanks in the Company position, the company was ordered to withdraw to another position, Corporal O'BRIEN assumed command of a party of men whom he had found had been cut off, and by his initiative, gallantry, and example fought his way back with this party. The party was under heavy Machine Gun fire from both flanks and all the way Lance-Corporal O'BRIEN provided, with a Bren Gun, the covering fire for the bounds by which the party made its way back, himself running the gauntlet each time to catch up with them and cover them over the next stretch of open country. For his continued gallantry and leadership in action I strongly recommend this N.C.O. be awarded the Military Medal. Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS
Army Number: 2718765 Rank: Lance Serjeant Name: M O’BRIEN Unit: 1 Irish Guards GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1939 TNA Reference: WO 100/503
Irish Guards: Medal Rolls, General Service Medal, Palestine Clasp 1945 - 1948 Army Number: 2718765 Rank: Colour Serjeant, Company Quartermaster Serjeant Name: M O’BRIEN, MM Unit: 1 Irish Guards GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1945 - 1948 TNA Reference: WO 100/526 Notes:
Army Number: 2718765 Rank: Lance-Corporal Name: Maurice Terence O'BRIEN Unit: 1 Irish Guards London Gazette : 15 June 1944 The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Italy — The Military Medal No. 2718765 Lance-Corporal Maurice Terence O'Brien, Irish Guards (Dublin)
